Consolidate, Scale, and Save

A classic data center design features a dedicated Ethernet LAN and a separate, dedicated Fibre Channel (FC) SAN. With FCoE, it is possible to run a single, converged network. As a standards-based protocol that allows Fibre Channel frames to be carried over Ethernet links, FCoE obviates the need to run separate LAN and SAN networks.

FCoE also drastically reduces the number of I/O adapters, cables, and switches in the data center, when deployed as an access layer convergence solution. The recent introduction of FCoE support with 10GBASE-T technology allows data centers to have flexible physical cabling while supporting any protocol at much lower costs.

Now, multihop FCoE technology can be used to extend convergence beyond the access layer. The higher, more efficient speeds, such as 40 Gigabit Ethernet FCoE today, or the 100 Gigabit Ethernet FCoE in the future, help enable fewer and higher-speed Inter-Switch Links (ISLs) in the network core. The converged architecture means you can wire once and deploy anywhere to support any storage protocol, including iSCSI or NFS. This consolidated infrastructure also helps to simplify management and significantly reduce total cost of ownership (TCO).

FCoE is one of the core components of the Cisco Unified Data Center, which helps enable multiprotocol networking through Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS), Cisco Nexus platforms, and Cisco MDS platforms.

Improve Agility, Simplify Management, and Reduce Costs

Operate high-performance SANs with efficient and higher-speed ISLs

Support any traffic type with wire-once agility

Reduce the number of adapters, cables, and network devices, and cut power costs